Romanus has now expanded to Salvador and São Paulo

[CarloRio]

Dear M4Mers,

 

We are really glad and thankful for your business. And we are delighted to let you know that now we've expanded our activities to Salvador and São Paulo as well.

 

Now you can count on our services in these two cities aside from Rio. Now we can book hotels for you there, we can arrange for guided tours, transfers in and out, contacting your favourite boy, taking you to regular, gay and night tours, Portuguese tutoring classes etc...

 

All our guides are gay or gay friendly and they will be delighted to help you in anything you may need. The only thing I like to make very clear is that we don't work with michês. We can contact them for you, make the arrangements for you, be it in the sauna or through their phone numbers, but they don't work for us, nor we don't get any commission from them...

 

Visit our webpage, which will soon have the info. on Salvador and São Paulo: http://romanusrj.sites.uol.com.br

 

Hope to continue to improve our services for the M4Mers community,

 

Um abraço

[trilingual]

For the uninitiated, michê is Brazilian slang for "hustler" or "escort." However, if you're actually addressing someone in that profession, I'd suggest using the expression "garoto de programa." It's less pejorative. A word to the wise. . .

[gulliver]

carlo, i will be there from June 20. would like to arrange portugeuse lessons for 60 minutes or so each morning for one week. can you email me re this and the approximate cost. I have gone thru the first 12 or so Pimsleur CDs so have some familiarity with portugeuse. I know SF Traveller had a tutor he was pleased with also and I will contact him.

[CT Dick]

I have yet to savor SP but I can highly recommend Salvador.

 

It is an exceptional city: blocks and blocks of baroque buildings that they are restoring in pastels. The city claims 365 baroque churches. Some of the ones I saw made anything in Mexico look pale.

 

The city is on a peninsula so there are ocean views all around.

 

The culture is more Afro than in the south. Their cooking is distinctive and the people are beautiful.

 

It is worth a visit and I bet that Romanus can make it even more enjoyable.

 

Dick

[Guest Looking4Fun]

First time to Brazil and excited about it!

 

Hi,

 

I am new to this here. And I will be going to Rio and maybe El Salvador and San Paulo by June 20th. And I am very excited with everything that I read about here. I'd be looking for some advice regarding where to go, where to stay, where to find nice boys. As I don't speak any Portuguese, I think it might be a good advice to find a guide. Do you know how much it is? What about hustlers who also work as a guide? Which are the things that I shouldn't miss?

Thanks for all your help.

[+ Axiom2001]

This first capital of Brazil is definitely on my agenda or in my itinerary this time; it's a must go; Salvador, Bahia was included as a place to stop for at least four days on my Brazilian pass which I must use before the end of October 2003.

 

Thanks CT for writing. Last year I think you recommended an area where I should stay; because the 'ives have not been too friendly to me, I have had to avoid using them out of frustration.

Would you mind citing the hotel or area or both again for me, please! Obrigado!

 

PS I more than likely will use a guide from Carlo's firm or on his recommendation and booking! ...will try the 'ives again for other information. ...have definitely decided to include Fri., Sat., and Sun. in my visit there.

[+ Axiom2001]

RE: First time to Brazil and excited about it!

 

>Hi,

>

>I am new to this here. And I will be going to Rio and maybe El

>Salvador and San Paulo by June 20th. And I am very excited

>with everything that I read about here. I'd be looking for

>some advice regarding where to go, where to stay, where to

>find nice boys. As I don't speak any Portuguese, I think it

>might be a good advice to find a guide. Do you know how much

>it is? What about hustlers who also work as a guide? Which are

>the things that I shouldn't miss?

>Thanks for all your help.

 

You have eleven days before you will be in Rio! I'd advise that you go to http://www.riodejaneiroguide.com; there awaits a plethora of information. Go there and savor and copy all information that you'd find valuable for you. Much, much has been WRITTEN at this site as to the in's and out's of the four or five saunas which have been frequented in Rio during the past three or perhaps four years along with other answers to your questions.

 

Last October I stayed at the Atlantico which had been recommended by one or two of the respondents at this forum; I also stayed there in February/March of '03 during Carnaval and plan to have CarloRio book my room for me during this coming October. In terms of where to go, what to do,-- take in the usual tourist sites; read what others have done, ask Carlo for guidance. I'd take a few of his tours if I were you; the prices were quite reasonable.

 

Since this is your first visit-- I'd have a guide who speaks some English. Some fellow respondents have not had a problem with this; I did during both visits, but if you're of the mind and temperament to work through the language barrier-- I applaud you. I treated all with respect, but something hindered me in trying to make myself be understood. When this happened-- the non-English speaker and I conquered this through laugher-- from sauna guys to the maid in the hotel.

 

In October I plan (if he's available) to use the services of Eduardo while in Rio, have more Brasilian Portugese under my belt, take some of Carlo's tours, be with some of the M4Mers from this board on occasion (I hope if they are ammenable to this.) and have a grand time, make this trip my "charm"!

 

Enjoy the Cariocas! As a whole I have found them to be easy individuals with whom to relate-- very warm-- men and women from all strata of society. Read Gringo's and other's accounts of their experiences-- culturally as well as sexually.

[+ Axiom2001]

RE: First time to Brazil and excited about it!

 

If Artur aka Carlo Cox is available in SP, hire him. A few months ago I sent him an email requesting his rates; he wrote back expeditiously. I plan to use his services when I'm there in October provided he's available; if he is not-- I'll arrange something with CarloRio in RIo for SP. If he has NOT changed his rates since coming to the States, I find them to be extremely reasonable.

 

Email both men.

 

You'll just adore Mr. Artur Brazil aka Carlo Cox from SP; read my review of him. I am quite sure that he'll show you a grand time while you're in his city. Hooboy had nothing but favorable things to write about Carlo, and the latter said wonderful things about Ho. Artur has three names that he uses in his profession; I hope it doesn't confuse you. CarloRio is strictly a travel agent in Rio who has a wonderful website and can do for you what you requested in terms of help wanted.

 

I hope what I've written will be of some help to you. Be sure to report to us about your travel experiences in the "other land down under"! This will be most appreciated. Ax2001

[Guest Tomcal_]

RE: First time to Brazil and excited about it!

 

>I am new to this here. And I will be going to Rio and maybe El

>Salvador and San Paulo by June 20th. And I am very excited

>with everything that I read about here. I'd be looking for

>some advice regarding where to go, where to stay, where to

>find nice boys. As I don't speak any Portuguese, I think it

>might be a good advice to find a guide. Do you know how much

>it is? What about hustlers who also work as a guide? Which are

>the things that I shouldn't miss?

 

This site give the answers to all your questions. Where to find the boys....at the four saunas!!!, you can get by without speaking portuguese, I have been to Rio 5 times in the last 20 months and don't speak a word of Portuguese, and I have made out very well,(said with all due modesty!! lol) but it would definitly enhance your experience to know some key words and/or phrases! Where to stay...what are you looking for? Luxury, try the Copacabana palace or the Marriott, both across from the beach in Copacabana, less expensive but still on the beach...Sol Ipenema, Rio Othon, not on the beach but great for your sex life...ATLANTICO!

A guide... several have been mentioned in the threads, my favorite is Eduardo, whose email address is posted in a previous thread(a plus is he works at the suana, so if he is your type, you can have sex with him after the guided tour(s)!!

[Guest Looking4Fun]

Thank you very much. I'll definitely follow your suggestions and I will contact the men you suggested me. I was able to find Romanus and Carlo Cox web sites, but what about Eduardo? Where is his website or e-mail? Can you help me with that?

Thank you,

 

Looking4Fun

[+ Axiom2001]

Looking4Fun--TomCal and another poster gave us Eduardo's email address; surf the informational sites of which Tri is the moderator which precede all others at this forum. If you are unable to find Eduardo's email address here, contact another poster alankay who used Eduardo's services; go to profiles and email him. I wish you success... Ax2001

[CT Dick]

Axiom, I stayed in a hotel called the Victoria Marina. It wasn't bad but has nothing to recommend it, either. I didn't try to bring anyone in so I don't know their policy

 

Bahia had no hotels in the Baroque district. (They were converting an old monestary into a hotel last July.) The tourist hotels are a distance south between the Baroque district and the tip of the peninsula - the Farol (old lighthouse / fort).

 

I bet Carlo can help you with a nice, gay friendly hotel.

 

Dick

[CT Dick]

Informative website

 

The M4M site gave me the most valuable information before my first trip to Brazil.

 

I also got lots of info from http://www.ipanema.com/

 

Dick

[Guest Looking4Fun]

Guys, this site is g-8!

 

I've to thank everybody and whoever created this site, because the info. here is fantastic. Plus you're a wonderful crowd very helpful and kind.

 

Axiom thanx for all the info that you kindly supplied me. You're g-8!

 

Here's how my trip stands so far, I contacted the local guys as you suggested, they were all prompt in their answers:

 

Arthur from São Paulo was very nice and has a fantastic low price, although I am not interested in his escorting services, for I like younger boys. But I might use him for transfer in and out in São Paulo as his prices are very good.

 

Carlo was also very nice and very precise in the things that he suggested me to do, he definitely knows his trade. So I booked Sol Ipanema through him at an incredibly low rate (I compared his rates by doing it directly and thru http://www.ipanema.com and http://www.rioguide.com, but his rates were the best).

 

I decided not to stay at Atlantica, even though the rate was exceptional (only R$ 50.00!), because I want a view and Copacabana according to what I've been reading is sort of rundown. And Ipanema is nicer and chic.

 

I also booked Romanus's package tour to go to São Paulo. Which was a real bargain. And the hotel in Salvador as well as a few tours through them.

 

Eduardo was also prompt in replying but I couldn't understand his english, therefore I don't think he will be my choice of guide... because I speak no portuguese, nor spanish. And not being to understand what people are saying could make me very anxious.

 

As for boys, I was amazed with the different set of prices that I got and the great offer. I checked out Apollus and all those different sites that were mentioned here. Then I sent a list of my favourite boys and asked Carlo to have them contacted in São Paulo for me, and for the same guy that I saw on Appollus (who charged US$ 80.00 for 90 minutes), I was able to get, through Carlo Romano, for only US$ 100.00 an all-night and US$ 30.00 for 90 minutes. But as Carlo and you suggested I am just going with one escort in São Paulo to have a pleasant and quiet night, and then I am going to hit the saunas.

 

I'm really excited about this trip and I have to thank all of you guys who are helping me out. You're an incredible crowd!

[sf traveler]

RE: Guys, this site is g-8!

 

Just a word about Eduardo. He is a very nice and very intelligent boy, although for economic reasons he isn't terribly well educated. But he's honesty and sincerity personified. I can imagine that his written English might be a bit difficult to understand, but his spoken English is fairly clear, although not really fluent. I don't think you would have any real trouble understanding his speaking. Oddly enough his accent is unusually clear even though sometimes his vocabulary is lacking. I admit I want him to get more business, and improve his English, so he can better his situation, and I'm sure there is a variety of competent guides, but I wouldn't be put off Eduardo by a fear that you wouldn't be able to understand him. And, as to Ipanema being more chic, well that's all relative. It is a more upscale area but it ain't no Rodeo Drive either. Most of the posters here prefer Copa for convenience. As to the view, however, I admit that the one thing I regret about the Atlantico is the lack of a view. But looking into innumerable pairs of big brown eyes isn't so bad either. SF Traveler

[+ Axiom2001]

RE: Guys, this site is g-8!

 

"But looking into innumerable pairs of big brown eyes isn't so bad either." SFTraveler, agreed-- agreed--- agreed... Man, you can say that again and again and againnnnnn...!

 

Stay at the Atlantico for the myriad of demographic conveniences and get that view from its roof top. One can see for miles-- the mountains, two highly-prized tourist sites, and the fabulous Copa beach from afar.

 

In March-- I meandered to the rooftop and just walked around in the slight rain that flowed in sliders fom the darkened grayish- blue, orange sleeked skies, breathed seductively, and let the views engulf me. This half hour experience ripened me for the rest of the evening and night!

[+ Axiom2001]

Thanks, CT! Axiom

[Guest Tomcal_]

I agree with SFTraveller, Eduardo's verbal English works fine, he acted as our interpertor at both the suanas and restaurants. Sometimes he would need to clarify or stumble on some words, but not really any problem. I speak no portuguese and this was my 5th trip and first time having someone like him along. It helps to but you can certainly get along with out a interpeter( you don;t need alot of verbal communication in the saunas!)

As far as views, the view out from the hotels in Ipenema or Copa are the same. the two beaches are like the number 3 with the point in the middle seperating the two beaches. The stores/shops are more upscale in Ipenema and the gay beach Farme is there, and I stayed during my first visit at Sol Ipenema. The only issue I had was those hotels are right on busy Altantico Ave. and the traffic is loud and noisy all night! Keep the window A/C running all night to provide "white noise" and it's not bad.

There are no views from the Atlantico unless you are on the roof, but for some of us that's not an issue, as I have never been in the room to sit and look at the view, when I am in the room I am usually horizontal!! either awake or sleeping! LOL

[CT Dick]

RE: Guys, this site is g-8!

 

>I decided not to stay at Atlantica, even though the rate was

>exceptional (only R$ 50.00!), because I want a view and

>Copacabana according to what I've been reading is sort of

>rundown. And Ipanema is nicer and chic.

 

To each his own. But, the metro does not go to Ipanema. There are none of our saunas there. And, the restaurant-with-the-yellow -awning isn't there.

 

It's like going to the Cape and staying in Falmouth.

 

Just my 2¢ worth.

 

Dick

[Guest Looking4Fun]

Can''t wait to go down to Brazil

 

After what you guys told me about Eduardo, I tried to arrange for me to pick me up at the airport to do the transfer in, but it seems that he doesn't have a car to do that. I am really sorry for I really wanted to help him out, but I guess I will have to rely on the more professional help that I can get at Romanus which will provide me with all the transfers in all of the three cities. As for Eduardo, I will try to meet him at the sauna where he works, so I would like to ask you where could I find him in Rio? As I read many things about the saunas and there seems to be a number of them down there, I'd just want to go to the best ones. Which do you suggest? Thanx again for your help gentlemen.

[+ Axiom2001]

RE: Can''t wait to go down to Brazil

 

As a newbie last October-- I went on the suggestions from the men at this site. Go to Estacao, Club 117 (on a Sunday), The Point 202, and if Roger's is open-- (which I think it still is) meander there, too. Carlo has all of the saunas listed at his site--those with boys for rent as well as those that don't provide this service.

 

I will not rate the saunas in any order, except The Point: 202 is the newer of the lot. Roger's is small and not well appointed.

I do not have a favorite; I just like the ones which had lots of "hot"--horny-- hung guys when I went there.

 

Go after 5 PM. I went to all three at varying times after this time, but if you go to Club 117 on a Sunday after 5, you should meet up with lots of guys and have looooooooads of fun! I went at 4PM since this was my last night there. There was another patron and me-- the only ones from 4 until 5. The CLub had about three or 4 guys who revealed the biggest boners although I was not ready to connect at that time. About 5 I stood in the hallway and watch the boys meander in and around; suddenly, a hunk approached me and off I went. Thought I'd cite this in terms of time and what to expect... Sorry I did not answer your question definitively.

 

Have you read the guidelines and social etiquette we should apply while at the saunas? If you have not-- do so thus aiding yourself in not being exploited as a newbie by some of the guys...

[trilingual]

RE: Can''t wait to go down to Brazil

 

As for Eduardo, just e-mail him once you know your hotel and ask him to meet you there.

 

There really is no "best" sauna; they're all good and you'll have to sample them all yourself to decide which ones you like best. Point 202 is the newest and has a large number of boys. Estação is the next newest, and is smaller, but also has numerous boys. Club 117 is on three floors, all its rooms have large round beds and en-suite bathrooms, and usually has many guys working there. Roger's is the oldest and smallest, but can still have some guys worthy of your interest.

 

If you're new to all of this, I would leave the other spots for a second trip. The saunas mentioned will be more than enough to keep you busy. Overwhelmed, in fact!

[Guest Looking4Fun]

RE: Can''t wait to go down to Brazil

 

Thanx for all the info. boys you're a great party crowd.:-)

[CarloRio]

Another title that has been given to Rio de Janeiro

 

Gentlemen,

 

Please check this weeks New Scientist magazine (http://www.newscientist.com/inprint/ipcontents.jsp) which did an interesting research in several cities in the world to find the ones that people were the kindest to their peers (including foreigners) and Rio de Janeiro was selected by far as the most "Simpática" of all... Thanks to the kindness of its folks when it comes to going out of their way to help the others.

 

We are really glad about this piece of good news... and no wonder that many people in this forum love our "Cidade Maravilhosa" so much. For a city is not only made of hallmarks, monuments, wildlife, but a city is also made of its people... and the cariocas are to be proud of this other title that our city received...

 

Um abraço,

 

}(

[trilingual]

RE: Another title that has been given to Rio de Janeiro

 

It's true that people in Brazil (and in Rio) go out of their way to be kind and helpful. In three months in Brazil, involving getting my ID; opening a bank account; renting an apartmen; dealing with workmen; ordering supplies; buying furniture; appliances and kitchen cabinets; etc.; there was only ONE hassle, and it involved MasterCard in the U.S.!!!

 

One afternoon downtown a guy ran after me for a block because I'd left my ball point pen (a cheap BIC) at the ATM at Citibank. I lost my expensive new cell phone in a taxicab less than a month after purchasing it (the phone slipped out of my pocket on the back seat of the cab). The next passenger found it and gave it to the cab driver, who answered when I phoned the cell phone number and agreed to bring it to me downtown, where I was waiting frantically! (I had him drive me home to Copacabana and gave him a R$50 tip! The phone was worth about R$1100!) In bureaucratic situations people would go out of their way to be helpful getting the paperwork done. Stores offer to deliver your purchases, for free. Carlo himself was an absolute sweetheart, helping me with my apartment search far above and beyond the call of duty. The sauna boys, if you treat them respectfully, will treat you like a king (or queen, depending on how you want to be treated!). People in Brazil SMILE, and they do it with their entire face and body! What's the secret? "Simpatia," which is really untranslatable (it means much more than the English "sympathy"). How do you experience this magic? Just be "simpático" yourself! In other words, be kind, respectful, sincere and nice (see, it takes at least four words to scratch the meaning of "simpático"). You'll be richly rewarded in your experiences in Brazil, in return.